DON'T MAKE THESE WINTER MISTAKES!!! ( Your Life May Depend On It )

We love Winter Bass Fishing! But there is a dark side to it as well. We often highlight the benefits of Winter bass fishing. The size of the fish, the tranquil sounds of an empty lake, and the peaceful time on the water are all huge benefits of Winter fishing. However, if you're not prepared for potential issues, a fun day on the water can turn into a nightmare in an instant! Today we're covering 3 Winter mistakes... two that have to do with fishing, and one that has to do with self preservation.

Like anything in life, bass fishing has associated risks. Those risks increase in the colder months. If you're going out to the lake without taking any precautions, you may not realize the risks you're incurring. Listen as Tim tells a story or two from the dozens of "close calls" we've had on the water. Every item he carries, every box he checks on his mental check list, all come from real life disasters that we've faced on our around the water. Winter is an amazing time to fish, but it requires more preparation to do it safely than any other time of year.

Below you'll find links to the baits Tim recommended for Winter fishing, the apparel he uses to create reliable layers, as well as a few of the basic necessities he carries on the boat to protect himself in case of emergency. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

**We hope our list inspires you to begin creating a checklist for yourself and helps trigger ideas that may inspire you to protect yourself in adverse conditions. This is not a comprehensive list of every tool and safety precaution that we take. You should still brainstorm specific tools, gear, and safety equipment for your boat, conditions, and environment, that may be required for safety in your specific circumstances**

NED RIG...

•ZMan TRD: https://bit.ly/3RaJGMH

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, PB&J

•Xzone Stealth Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Colors: Tilapia, Black Blue/Green Pumpkin

SWIMBAIT...

•Megabass 3" Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Colors: Albino, Silver Shad, Real

•Keitech 3.5" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/8 - 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook

•Savage Gear 8" RTF Trout: https://bit.ly/33GROg1

Colors: Dirty Silver, Trout

TIM'S LAYERED COLD WEATHER CLOTHING TODAY...

Jacket– Aftco Insulated Hydronaut: https://bit.ly/426eOnu

Bibs– Aftco Insulated Hydronaut: https://bit.ly/3FS21bC

Beanie– Summit Beanie: https://bit.ly/3vLCEGR

Hoodie– Aftco Reaper Hooded Sweatshirt: https://bit.ly/3EbJxFP

Mid Layer Top– https://bit.ly/3Wgk2Jo

Mid Layer Bottom– https://bit.ly/3tXLIbr

Gloves– Aftco Breakwater Waterproof: https://bit.ly/3C73i0q

Boots– Aftco Deck Boot: https://bit.ly/3OhVo7z

WINTER GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS...

Life Jacket– Mustang Elite Inflatable: https://bit.ly/2odXXIP

Dry Bag– Spro 10L Dry Bag: https://bit.ly/4hb2Uxk

Packable Rain Jacket– Aftco Transformer: https://bit.ly/3t4y4lP

Packable Rain Pants– Aftco Transformer: https://bit.ly/3Zzy89y

Jumper/Battery Pack– NOCO Boost: https://bit.ly/3xVnaOD

Lighter– Source Locally

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

This Is What Winter Fishing Is All About! Big Bass And Good Fun!

Come along for an awesome day on the water with the Tactical Crew! The air temps are 16 degrees at the boat ramp but that won't stop the guys from catching fish! Tim starts the day off solo and dials in a great pattern, fishing flats near moving water. When Matt arrives the duo steps it up and catches some really nice fish!

We talk a lot about how fun Winter bass fishing can be. This is such a great example! The air is cold, but the boat is full of laughs and big fish. Don't be afraid to fish when the weather dips below freezing. It's all about layering up with the right clothing to be comfortable so that you're focused on fish catching instead of the temperature.

Below you'll find links to all the baits the guys were throwing today. We've included the exact sizes, colors, as well as the rod and reel combos they were using. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TIM'S TACTICAL RIG...

•Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Screwed Up Head: https://bit.ly/3U5RsIx

Size: 1/4 oz

•Main Baits: Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Electric Shad

•Dummies: Damiki 3" Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Color: American Shad

MATT'S TACTICAL RIG...

•Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Screwed Up Head: https://bit.ly/3U5RsIx

Size: 3/16 oz

•Main Baits: Keitech 4.5" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad

•Dummies: Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad

BLADE BAIT...

•Damiki Vault Blade (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Color: Holo Silver

UNDERSPIN...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 3/8 oz

•Keitech 3.3" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Smokin Blue

JERKBAIT...

•Megabass Vision 110 Jr: https://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

Color: Wagin Hasu

TIM'S LAYERED COLD WEATHER CLOTHES...

Beanie– Summit Beanie: https://bit.ly/3vLCEGR

Jacket– Aftco Insulated Hydronaut: https://bit.ly/426eOnu

Bibs– Aftco Insulated Hydronaut: https://bit.ly/3FS21bC

Puffy Jacket– Crosswind Puff Hooded: https://bit.ly/4jausEt

Mid Layer Top– https://bit.ly/3Wgk2Jo

Mid Layer Bottom– https://bit.ly/3tXLIbr

Gloves– Aftco Breakwater Waterproof: https://bit.ly/3C73i0q

Boots– Aftco Deck Boot: https://bit.ly/3OhVo7z

TACTICAL MINI FLEX RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'7" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Tranx 200 A (HG): https://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

Line– Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3pF7HBK

JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer 6'5" Medium Slow: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: OneTen Stick

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 (HG): https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line– Sunline Super FC (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

UNDERSPIN COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Daiwa Steez SV TW: https://bit.ly/3wXZ9Jb

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (8 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Winter Jerkbait Fishing! (All The Tricks)

Jerkbait Fishing Is Easy... If you Know The Tricks! Winter brings a new set of challenges to Jerkbait fishing and you need to adapt if you're going to be successful. Slowing down and paying attention to your cadence becomes critical, as does the baits you choose to throw. Not all baits are created equal!

The key to cold water jerkbait fishing is cadence. Taking the time to let your bait sit still in the water is how you'll draw fish up, but it requires the right baits to be able to do that. Neutrally buoyant baits that can dive near the bottom, without sinking or rising on the pause are what you're looking for. After that, it comes down to color selection.

Below you'll find links to our favorite baits for this time of year. We've included our favorite colors for each, some of our favorite hook upgrades, modifications, as well as the rods and reels we rely on to fish jerkbait effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

STANDARD JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110: https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

Colors: French Pearl US, HT Ito Tennessee Shad, Mat Shad

•Megabass Vision 110+1: https://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

Colors: French Pearl US, Killer Kawaguchi, Mat Shad

•Megabass Vision 110+1 Jr: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Colors: Kasumi Ito, Mat Shad, French Pearl OB

DEEP DIVING JERKBAITS...

•Rapala PXR Mavrik Deep: https://bit.ly/3DkIy5P

Colors: Metallic Moss Back Shiner, Matte Shad

•Shimano World Diver: https://bit.ly/3o1BwrR

Colors: Black Silver, Ghost Ayu, S Hasu

•Megabass X–Nanahan+2: https://bit.ly/48fHMSj

Colors: Kasumi Ito, French Pearl, LZ Satoshin Chiayu

SPRING TRANSITION JERKBAITS...

•Shimano Zumverno 95 SP: https://bit.ly/3Gbzrmw

Colors: S Hasu, Black Silver, Macchiotto

•Duo Realis Raz 105: https://bit.ly/4foltw8

Colors: Prism Smelt, River Bait, Ghost Minnow

WEIGHTING AND FLOATATION...

•Storm SuspenDots: https://bit.ly/3d80ez6

•Baitsanity Tungsten Adhesive Weights: https://bit.ly/4534Fpg

•Zappu Floating Board: https://bit.ly/4gDN2Td

MEGABASS VISION 110 HOOK UPGRADES...

Split Ring Replacement– Owner Hyperwire Black (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

110 Replacement Hook– Gamakatsu Finesse Nano Treble (Size 5): http://bit.ly/2dWWAut

110 Junior Replacement Hook– Gamakatsu 1X Black (Size 8): https://bit.ly/3oSXVXp

SHIMANO JERKBAIT HOOK UPGRADES...

World Diver– Hayabusa TBL930 NRB (Size 5): https://bit.ly/3qBuXkB

Zumverno 95 SP – Hayabusa TBL930 Black (Size 8): https://bit.ly/44qgm9n

Split Ring Replacement– Owner Hyperwire Black (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

ALL AROUND JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" medium: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Sunline Super FC 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

HIGH END JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 OneTen Stick: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

SPINNING JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'8" Medium: https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel– Shimano Sustain 3000: https://bit.ly/3BQLlNP

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Where Do Bass Go In The Middle Of Winter?! (And How To Catch Them On Your Lake)

This is how to catch bass on those COLD Winter days! Giant bass are caught every Winter, so don't be the guy sitting at home. These are the places you need to fish, and the baits you can trust, whether you fish a pond, lake, or reservoir. The boat ramps are empty, the lakes are peaceful, and big bass are willing to bite!

We're in the heart of Winter and bass have settled into their seasonal pattern. Their locations are set, their feeding patterns are set, and only the most extreme weather can disturb the balance. What that means for you, is that once you find fish you can catch them day after day. Winter can be amazing! Sure it's cold, but the chill in the air vanishes when you set the first hook!

Below you'll find links to all the baits and gear Tim discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors, sizes, and equipment for each technique. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see photos and descriptions of the items.

SPEED CRANKING...

•R2S Tactical DD 75 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Clearwater Minnow, True Shad, DD Minnow

•Megabass Deep X 300: https://bit.ly/2sSQHpt

Colors: Mat Shad, MB Gizzard, Sexy Ayu

BLADED ALABAMA RIGS...

Largest– Tactical Flex Rig: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

Medium– Tactical Mini Flex Rig: https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

Smallest– Tactical Micro Flex Rig: https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

5 Hook– Tactical Mini 5 Hook Rig: https://bit.ly/429NWTK

WINTER A–RIG SWIMBAITS...

•Keitech Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Size: 4", 4.5", 5"

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Crystal Shad

•Damiki 3" Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: American Shad, Pure Gill

A–RIG SWIMBAIT HEADS...

Full Size Heads– Dirty Jigs Matt Allen: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Size: 1/8 - 3/16 oz

Micro Heads– ZMan Trout Eye Finesse: https://bit.ly/3C7H1iL

Size: 1/8 oz

JERKBAIT...

•Megabass Vision 110+1 Jr: https://bit.ly/2LnK389   

Colors: Matte Shad, Kasumi Ito

BLADE BAIT...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Ayu

UNDERSPIN...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 3/8 oz

•Keitech 3.3" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Smokin Blue

FOOTBALL JIG...

Jig– Dirty Jigs 1/2 oz Finesse Football: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Color: Supermatt Brown, Canterbury Craw, The Go To

Trailer– Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Color: Cinn Blk Purp, Green Pump Purple Copper

BUDGET ALABAMA RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX A 150 (HG): https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line– Power Pro Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Sufix Advance Green Mono (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

AFFORDABLE SPEED CRANKING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Mojo Glass Trigon 7'4" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT (HS): https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

AFFORDABLE FINESSE JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Intenza 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3QjR9Kw

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line– Sunline Super FC (14 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz